Jack and Jill of America Inc.
• April 13, 2015

On Saturday, March 14, the Washington, DC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrated 75 years of empowering children, families and the community at a fundraising black-tie gala at the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd Street. The event raised money for the Town Hall Education Arts Recreational Campus (THEARC) and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Established in 1938 in Philadelphia, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. provides social, cultural, and educational opportunities for African-American youth between the ages of two and 19. [gallery ids="102029,134876,134870,134877,134874,134872" nav="thumbs"]

HAUTE & COOL: Make a Cozy Statement
• January 29, 2015

Don’t let the need for warmth overtake style when picking out sweaters as the temperature drops. While spring and fall fashion usually get the most attention each year, it takes real style to stay fashionable while braving the cold. From stripes to prints to cable-knits, we round up the coziest sweaters to help you bear winter’s coldest temperatures with hot fashion. [gallery ids="101978,135518,135514,135523,135510,135499,135495,135491,135507,135503,135520" nav="thumbs"]

Le Decor: Le Decor: Modern Inspirations
• April 11, 2014

Art is one of the best way to inspire a space in your home. After reading through the February 26th Arts Preview issue of The Georgetowner, I was inspired by the current “Gravity’s Edge” exhibit at the Hirshorn (February7- June 15, 2014). The vibrate colors and abstract method of detecting the force of gravity, allows for one to experimental and free to mix traditional with modern works of art. There are many ways to introduce invigorating contrast into a space, and art is one of the best. Here are some examples where modern art breathes life into traditional rooms. [gallery ids="101669,144642,144646,144637,144651,144654,144659,144666,144662" nav="thumbs"]

Pantone Designs
• January 17, 2014

If it’s not in a Pantone, the color does not exist….
Pantone, Inc., is a company best known for its color labeling and propriety. To every interior designer, it is the bible of color trends. Earlier this year, Patone released their 2012 fall and winter colors that are the hottest new thing from finish to accessories in color. In a recent poll of designer and recent reviewed orders, Patone has created a pallet for what is popular for both men and woman this year. [gallery ids="101089,137730,137696,137724,137719,137703,137714,137709" nav="thumbs"]

Modern Wings
•

With their traditional high backs and winged arms, wingback chairs provided much needed warmth but very little eye catching creativity. Yet there have been a few designers (past and present) who have taken liberates with the body hugging silhouette and created pieces that will not only stand beautifully by any fireplace, but provide the perfect conversation starter. From investment pieces to functional art, a modern wingchair can add not only comfort but be the perfect place to curl up and read this year’s first issue.

Wegner Papa Bear Chair – Designed by Hans Wagner
World renowned for blending a variety of natural material in his classic designs, Hans J. Wegner has received many international accolades for his work. Like many other Wegner chairs, The Teddy Bear Chair seems to refer to the animal kingdom with its characteristically playful and organic design. The chair received its name after a critic had referred to its armrests as, ‘Great bear paws embracing you from behind.’

The Egg – Designed by Arne Jacobsen
The Egg sprang from a new technique, which Jacobsen was the first to employ: a strong foam inner shell underneath the upholstery. Like a sculptor, Jacobsen strove to find the shell’s perfect shape in clay at home in his garage. The cooperation between Arne Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen dates back to 1934. Fritz Hansen products, including The Egg, can be found at Furniture from Scandinavia by Annette Rachlin in Georgetown.

Metropolitan Chair and Ottoman – Designed by Jeffrey Bernett for B&B Italia
In 1996, Jeffrey Bernett exhibited his first collection at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York and was honored with the Editor’s Award for “Best of Show.” The Metropolitan is an inviting swivel armchair and ottoman. Its high back is the perfect mix of Italian sophistication and comfort, while the neck rest is held in place with magnets to make it adjustable for people of all heights.

Klasse Wing Back LoungeChair- Designed by Polly Westergaard
The Klasse wingback chair is based on the traditional iconic British wing back chair, which has been used and adapted through centuries. The sleek finish of this adaptation combined with the natural materials used ensures a contemporary, eye-catching piece. Polly Westergaard explores elements of past trends in her work, updating traditional designs for contemporary living, drawing on the influences of historical pieces and examining the ways in which these designs can be re-invented to function in today’s interiors.

Wingback Chair, Black Legs Designed by George Smith
A series of upholstered furniture inspired by the 18th Century British Gentleman’s Chair. The frames are made of wood from sustainable forests and stuffed with layers of natural cotton and boar bristle. The chair comes upholstered in one of 15 colors of mohair velvet. The British designer, Tom Dixon, a designer, a brand, and a personality, has been a fixture of many a design show. Dixon established his namesake design firm in 2002. Tom Dixon recently teamed with the traditional British upholstery company George Smith to create this one of a kind piece.

Big Chair- Designed by Jens Risom
Built on a walnut frame with unusual angles and three peg legs, Big Chair still provides the body hugging effects of any wingback chair. Risom was highly influenced by his father, an award-winning architect who encouraged Jens to pursue academic studies in business and contemporary design. Jens Risom is regarded as the last bastion of mid-century modernists.

Star Treck Chair – designed by Roberto Lazzeroni
Built of either American Cherry or Walnut, the Star Trek chair takes on the fimialiar form of a traditional wingback chair. The chair defies all logic of the material its constructed from. With basic elements of the classic, Lazzeroni takes liberties by using heat resistant materials and plywood to create the frame. The chair was designed for Ceccotti Collezioni. Lazzeroni has had a very dynamic career, in which he is engaged on several fronts today, with prestigious collaborations, art directing and designing of interiors and contracting throughout different parts of the world. [gallery ids="100456,115490,115481,115443,115473,115465,115458" nav="thumbs"]

Crossroads — Travel the World in Flavor
• August 15, 2013

Heritage India on Wisconsin Avenue has been a Georgetown favorite for many years, and we are happy to hear that Sanjeev and Mitul Tuli of Heritage Management Services have recently opened Crossroads at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Crossroads is located in the basement of a building at the corner of 19th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, sharing half the space with Heritage India.

Chef Ravi Narayanan created an ever-changing menu of small plates, reflecting the cuisines of North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. To add to the mix, Narayanan has included a variety of Japanese sushi and sashimi, in-house made pate, charcuterie and an offering of local cheeses. After being seated, we were very intimidated by the ambitious wide range of items the menu had to offer. After speaking to the chef, it was decided that he would compose a tasting that allowed us to travel the world in flavor.

We began the tasting in North America with a delicate tuna tartare tower with the cucumber caviar. The ginger crisp helped to create a delicious yet delicate flavor that we were all hoping to get seconds of. The composition continued with grilled romaine salad with herb dressing and phyllo dough wrapped prawns. A favorite of the table was the deep fried kale and Brussels sprout chips with baharat spice and tzatziki sauce from Africa. Being a fan of kale chips, the combination of the Brussels sprouts and tzatziki sauce is one that is a must-try on the menu. The chef continued the tour by offering braised pork belly and a duck confit with homemade thyme crackers.

If there were ever a misstep, it may have been the house-cured salmon. Though beautifully displayed, the amount of salt made the dish something to only admire visually. We finished the meal with homemade sorbets that were light and refreshing and made a perfect end to the tasting. Crossroads offers a lovely selection of wines. Most dishes range from $10 to $12.
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Let’s Do Lunch: Capella Hotel
• May 9, 2013

The opening of new hotels means the opening of new restaurants. This week for Let’s Do Lunch, we took in the Capella’s new restaurant, the Grill Room and Rye Bar. Located in the heart of Georgetown next to the C&O Canal, it’s a great setting to: do lunch.

After reviewing the printed menu for that day, we started the course with warm baked bread and offering of baked bone marrow with parmesan and bread crumbs. I soon realized I was the only person savoring the creamy marrow for the guests at my table were too squeamish to try.

We went on to try the smoked tomato soup and the spring pea soup, both vibrant in color and savory in taste. And what goes best with soup but the famed chopped lobster salad? The generous portions of lobster meat paired well with the crunchy corn and were highlighted by the citrus dressing.
The meal could have ended there. But since we were at the Grill Room, we went on to try the dry aged strip loin and the grilled Atlantic halibut. The portions were large and were grilled to perfection. Though salt and pepper had to be added to the meal, it was satisfying and fulfilling.

The true winner of the meal was the branzino fillet. The soft buttery flesh of the fish paired so well with the sautéed potatoes and vegetables, that if the menu must change daily, I pray for this to be a staple. As the meal went on and our stomachs expanded, we took a look at the sweet case containing beautifully sculpted confectionery treats. But time had run out. Clearly, we will have to make another trip.

The Grill Room and Rye Bar

Capella Hotel

1050 31st St. NW
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Be Ready To Bare
• November 6, 2012

Like most of you, bikini season has once again snuck up on me, left me unprepared to be bare, and having me find creative methods to cover up. But could there be a solution to my woes? DC DermDocs may have come to my rescue by offering body sculpting treatments that are non-invasive, requires no recovery time and gives the confidence needed to sport my favorite two-piece.

Body sculpting has taken cosmetic surgery by storm. More and more people are seeking the various options available to achieve the body effects that they desire. DermDocs of DC is leading
the way in body sculpting cosmetic surgery by offering two of the newest methods to rid inches and fat. Just in time for swimsuit season.

Exilis is the newest technological marvel , approved by the Food and Drug Adminstration that offers the capability of dual function radiofrequency energy (radiowaves) in the same handpiece for the first time to the United States. The Exilis method can deliver the maximum thermal energy to the desired depth of subcutaneous fat while monitoring skin temperature and increase collagen to retighten skin. Exilis then breaks up fat cells, which is then drained through the lymphatic system and liver. With a total of only four 30-minute treatments and the ability to target multiple areas of the body, a patient can expect result in six to eight weeks. So say goodbye to stubborn saddle bags and belly pooches without going under the knife or injections.

Don’t have six weeks to get bikini ready? There is another
option.

One of the newest and soon-to-be most popular method for body sculpting is called liposonix. Liposonix is known throughout the medical world as being the one-treatment, one-hour, one-size, smaller body contouring method. With this new treatment method, Marilyn Berzin, M.D., and Dale Isaacson, M.D., can customize a treatment plan to treat those pesky pitches of fat. Liposonix will be available at DC DermDocs starting June 15 and will be the first in the Washington area to offer the treatment. This treatment method is made for those who don’t have time for multiple appointments and want a uniformed removal of fat cells.

How it works:

High-intensity ultrasound energy focuses on
the targeted fat, permanently destroying fat cells
beneath the surface layers of the skin (at least
one inch of depth).

A continuous lesion is created in the targeted
fat, and the skin layer is not harmed.

So, where does it go?

The treated fat tissue is removed through
the body’s natural healing and elimination process,
leaving you with a thinner, more contoured
waistline. This can take about eight to 12 weeks
for the body to remove all treated fat tissue.

Though the Liposonix treatment is a little
more intense than the Exilis method, there is still
no need for topical anesthetic. It is recommended
to drink fluids after the procedure and watch
your waistline shrink.

If you are interested in losing the cover up and having the confidence to sport your Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, visit DermDocs at dcdermdocs.com for more information.

DC DermDocs

1828 L. St., N.W.

Suite 850

Washington, D.C. 20036

202-822-9591 [gallery ids="100854,126799,126786,126795" nav="thumbs"]

Timely Decision for a Summer Suit Season
•

It goes by many names. Cottage cheese, orange peel, hail damage. But whatever you call it, cellulite has been a scourge for bikini and swimsuit wearers for years. Unfortunately, when women pile on the winter pounds, it tends to sit stubbornly on our hips, bottom and thighs … Just in time for summer. Since cellulite is a structural problem—the “cheese effect” only worsens as the pounds are added on. With age, hormones and genetics, the connective tissue that bands under the skin begins to stiffen and the fat cells they surround to become larger and push up into the skin. This creates the “cottage cheese” effect you that many of us wish we could eliminate.

But there is good news. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a one-time treatment method called Cellulaze that helps diminish the look of cellulite. Using a very small cannula (a narrow tube that is roughly the size of a pen tip), the Cellulaze™ laser is inserted directly under the skin and a controlled laser is used to treat the affected area. The laser diminishes the lumpy pockets of fat, releases the areas of skin depression and increases the elasticity and thickness of the skin. Because the cannula is so small, Cellulaze™ is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia.

Wondering what the catch is? There are few locations within the District at offer the treatment (which will surely change in the next few months) and depending on the size being treated, the cost of the one-time only treatment can range from $5,000-7,000. In general, people do pay upwards of $10,000 for cosmetic work and other forms of surgery, but this amount may be seem like pocket change to those seeking more confidence in shorts and bathing suits.

For those looking for just a bit more confidence and not willing shed the skin pucker or the money for such a treatment, there are some at home remedies that can help reduce the appearance and provide you with the confidence to ask “Who wears short shorts?”

Steer from Salty and Sugary Snacks
In most cases, cellulite is simply part of the genes you were born with, but you can reduce their appearance with a healthy diet. This includes avoiding excessive sugar, which gets stored in fat cells and causes them to expand and try limiting your salt intake. Sodium causes fluid retention, meanwhile, which makes cellulite appear even worse.

There’s a Rub
Massages actually help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Because cellulite is comprised of fibrous connective bands between the skin and fat, the fat is pulled to the surface, causing the pocketed effect on skin. Pressure on the skin can help loosen the bands, stimulate circulation and drain excess fluids.

Drink and Be Merry
We’ve all been told to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Not many of us are walking around with liter bottles, but by increasing our water intake, we allow our bodies to flush out the toxins hidden between the fat layers which help reduce the appearence of cellulite. When we consume more water our skin appears healthy and plump … which is much better than any lump.

A Lovin’ Spoonful of Flaxseeds
By adding flaxseeds to meals and salads, you can help the appearance of your cellulite. Flaxseed boosts collagen growth, the main component of connective tissue in our skin. By strengthening this, it reduces the appearance of cellulite. Just sprinkle a couple of tablespoons daily on oatmeal, cereal and yogurt to help prevent cellulite.

NPR’s Friday Night Spin Party
• June 18, 2012

On the eve of this year’s White House Correspondents Association Dinner, NPR “Friday Night Spin” was star studded in preparations for the dinner. With Solange Knowles spinning and party goers celebrating, it was night that many went home praising.

The evening’s festivities are made possible through donations by NPR Trustees John Herrmann, Jr. and John McGinn, as well as in-kind donations. In-kind donors include: Gibson Guitar Showroom, Georgetown Cupcake, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Smart Water, Robert Foley Vinyards and Beam Global. [gallery ids="100760,123170,123165,123143,123160,123149,123156" nav="thumbs"]